Linda,

Although I promote normal birth and try to help educate others about it, one thing that I definitely believe in is that no matter what way baby comes into the world, it's a wonderful birth just like any other. As well as that, all mothers need support for the decisions they have made.

I'm sure all of us have no idea what it is really like for you, I have never had haemorrhoids before so I can't imagine how awful it might be. I also think it's awful for people to be judemental and such a shame that we have to defend our decisions as women and mothers.

As I said above, I have no idea about how awful this is for you, all I can suggest if anything is to perhaps do some research about haemorrhoids and birth and maybe you can come up with some answers and / or something to fireback to those who ask. For example, "I have a medical condition which a normal birth can make worse and cause prolonged/excrutiating pain."